Top Ten Books for YA and Adult Readers alike

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

For this week's Top Ten Tuesday, the folks at Broke and Bookish are letting us choose 10 books of whichever genre we choose. As an eclectic reader, it is hard for me to choose just one genre, but one thing I've noticed in the book blogging world is that many people are either adamantly adult or adamantly YA. I personally think both genres have a lot to offer, so I am giving you a list of 10 books that will appeal to readers of both genres. Some are YA, some are adult, but I think all will be enjoyable to a wide range of readers.

1. Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly (YA) -- This book is powerful. It couples the story of a troubled girl coping with incredible loss to that of a plucky character trying to change the face of history. It is rich with historical detail as well as emotional power. Also, it takes place in Paris.
2.  A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (I'm actually not sure. Classic) -- This book covers so many different stages of life and life experiences. I love it.
3. Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok (Adult) -- This book follows a young immigrant girl through many stages of life. It is a coming of age novel, but it is also a novel about choices, and will find sympathy in most readers, I think.
4. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (YA) -- This book is so unique and so moving. It has fascinating characters, a unique historical perspective, and a heartbreaking ending.
5. I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak (YA) -- Ditto for this one.
6. Peace Like a River by Leif Enger (Adult) -- I have heard so many people say that this book is the first book their brother/partner/child read for fun. Something about the quiet writing is beautiful and reaches into your heart.
7. So Brave Young and Handsome by Leif Enger (Adult) -- Sorry for the repeats here. Many don't love this as much as Peace Like a River, but I actually liked it more. It is an adventure story with an emotional and beautiful core.
8. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (Adult) -- I know not everyone loves this book as much as I do, but the only thing I blame for that is the hype surrounding it and the need for people to separate themselves from hype. This book is unique and absolutely beautiful, and I think it will enchant all ages.
9. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri (Adult) -- This is another of those "coming of age" stories, but it moves beyond the teenage years through early adulthood. The story touches so many facets of life and it is fantastic.
10. Tie-up between Chime by Franny Billingsley and Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (both YA) -- These are both magical, impressively written stories that deal with self-identity. I think any reader would be swept up.

Do you know of any great crossover YA/Adult books? I am always on the lookout for more, being in that awkward early to mid twenties stage! :)

26 comments:

  1. I love Revolution and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and I agree that YA and Adults could both enjoy them. I also think a lot of adults could enjoy John Green's books and appreciate the humor. ;)

    -Meredith

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    1. I have heard that frequently about John Green's books. I haven't read any yet, but The Fault In Our Stars is sitting on my nightstand and I am pretty excited. :)

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  2. those are some great recommendations. I've read quite a few of them. kaye—the road goes ever ever on

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  3. This is the first list I've seen today where I've read 8 out of the 10 books (I've missed the Zuzak titles). I agree with you about all of these, and I might add The Fault in Our Stars, which I read earlier and my husband just finished reading last night.

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    1. Sounds like we have similar taste in books! I haven't read The Fault in Our Stars yet, but it is sitting on my nightstand. I can't wait to read it.

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  4. I haven't read many on your list other than The Namesake and The Night Circus. The Namesake really is one of my very favorite books and I'm glad to see it on this list. The Night Circus was such a fun read and would definitely cross between YA and adult readers.

    Other titles from the top of my head that would work as crossovers are The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly (adult) and The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey (adult). Oh and Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger (adult).

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    1. I have heard great things about The Snow Child. I have a question for you -- Is Her Fearful Symmetry as heavily romantic as The Time Traveler's Wife? There was a little too much detail in the sex scenes in that book for me, but I keep hearing about Her Fearful Symmetry. I'm thinking about giving it a try, but I might steer clear of it if it is the same or more sexual than The Time Traveler's Wife.

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  5. Great picks this week! I have read and loved both Girl in Translation and the Book Thief. I'm hoping to read A Tree Grows In Brooklyn soon.

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    1. It's a gorgeous book! I am hoping to reread it soon.

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  6. Sometimes I really disagree with categories. Calling The Book Thief a YA book? To me, that's the same travesty as calling Harry Potter a series for kids. We just don't need to go there. Just read it, and enjoy it, and don't feel the need to put a label on it. Let it be brilliant on its own.

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    1. It is true that pigeon-holing books into genres can really limit their readership, which is very sad. That is one of the reasons I am an "eclectic" blogger -- all of my reading needs can't be met in just one genre.

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    2. Agreed. Also, you motivated me to read The Night Circus, and I was so glad I did. I wrote a post on my own blog about how wonderful and magical it is.

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    3. Yay! I am so happy whenever anyone else reads The Night Circus!

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  7. I've only read Daughter of Smoke and Bone on that list, but I really want to check out a bunch of the others. Like The Night Circus. :) I need to add more adult books into my reading.

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    1. The Night Circus is definitely a good place to start! I absolutely loved it.

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  8. Huh interesting topic. I've always meant to read Peace Like A River. Thanks for the suggestions!

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    1. You're welcome! Peace Like a River is fantastic -- I hope you get around to it!

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  9. I've heard good things about both Revolution and The Night Circus, I really want to read them! :)

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  10. Well, I like the books that I have read on your list and I agree they could work for either YA or Adult. I really want to get to The Night Circus and Daughter of Smoke and Bone.

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    1. Those are both two of my favorites from the last year.

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  11. Hi,
    I have a quick question about your blog, do you think you could email me?
    David

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    1. I'm afraid i don't have your email, but if you need to email me, my email is listed in the "about me" section at the top of the page.

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  12. I had a similar list for this Top Ten Tuesday and Girl in Translation and The Night Circus were both on there. Great minds think alike.

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    1. Especially when one great mind recommends a book to the other great mind, haha!

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